Medical history…

When we arrived at the sanctuary, we were quickly booked into the vets as we were both extremely skinny, with very scabby skin and lots of fur loss. I was literally skin and bones and was quite weak, my carer says that she’s not sure I would have survived much longer and I came to the sanctuary to get the help I needed just in time. I was put onto steroids which really helped and I put on a little bit of weight. The vets didn’t want me to be on steroids long term so kept putting me on short courses of them, but each time I came off them, I would lose weight again. I was then put onto a slightly longer course in hopes that I would put on more weight. Meanwhile, my fur was growing back nicely and my sore, scabby skin had healed, so it was just the weight that I was struggling with, but I was still unbearably skinny. I had blood taken for tests and an abdominal scan done, but all of these tests came back clear and showed no causes of concern, and no reason for my weight loss. I was already on a sensitive bland diet due to diarrhoea in the home prior to coming to the sanctuary, although my carer now thinks that this was due to the food we were given there. The vets advised trying me on different sensitive foods, but these didn’t agree with me and gave me a poorly tummy. I was already on multiple meals throughout the day, as little and often meals helped me keep the weight on. Eventually, I was tried on a supplement rather than a different food and this seemed to really help. I was taken off the steroids and maintained my weight, my carer was so happy! I have been steadily putting on weight ever since and my carer says she is really pleased with me. I am now a very good weight. I am a big boy and could do with putting on a bit more as I am quite muscular too, but I am almost there. Rather than only gaining weight, it is now a case of keeping me moving and on a good diet to make sure I continue to regain and improve my muscle mass.

Firstly, I am still on a sensitive diet and it is advised that I be kept on this for the foreseeable future. Perhaps once I am properly settled into my home, I can be tried on a good quality hypo-allergenic food, but it is best for me to stay on the foods that we know work well for me for at least a few months after I go home, as my body is still recovering. I am currently eating Royal Canin gastrointestinal dry food, and gastro wet pouches too (although I like a mixture of the Royal Canin and Kattovit brands of these otherwise I get a bit bored!).

I am also on the following supplements daily, which are mixed into my food. Again, it is advised that I remain on these for at least the next few months while I settle into my new home.

• Salmon oil- Has helped with my skin and coat, and also helps with my weight/ muscle gain.

• Sustain- 1 sachet daily. Has helped to improve my digestive tract and my stools.

• Zylkene- 1 capsule daily. Helps to keep me calm and my stress levels low.

My carer is happy to discuss my medical history with any potential adopters, so if you have any further questions, please send an email or call! I am on the road to being a healthy boy again and it’s just such a shame that everything we have been through had a massive effect on my health, both physically and mentally. I am doing really well, so please don’t be put off giving me a chance just because I am still recovering. I promise I will give you lots of love and cuddles in exchange for you letting me (and hopefully my mommy Lucky too) be a part of your family.